Saying “I hate politics” is wrong

America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight. It’s gonna say “You want free speech? Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. – Fictional character Andrew Shepard from “The American President”

Over the last month, we Americans participated in an election and about half of the country was disappointed in the outcome.

What I heard in my social circles the loudest was:

“I hate politics”

“My vote didn’t count”

“Neener neener, my guy won and yours didn’t”

“My guy lost, but the whole process is corrupt. I don’t even want to be part of it any more.”

I could go on, but you get the point.

Whining and complaining about the endless argument.

Me vs you

The ability to have that argument out in the open is what freedom is all about. Countless lives have been laid down to give you the ability to have that argument. Saying you don’t want to participate is certainly part of the freedom that the sacrifice of others has bought you. But that’s the wrong attitude.

Saying you don’t want to participate in the process says you don’t want to honor that sacrifice.

We live in a place and time where one voice can change the hearts and minds of thousands. You are FREE to do it.

You’ve been given in a gift. Try to remember that if you’re still here, then SOMEONE ELSE paid for your freedom with their life.